Gymnadenia conopsea

Marsh fragrant orchid

Gymnadenia conopsea, commonly known as the Broad-leaved Fragrant Orchid, is a rare and delicate woodland species. While primarily admired for its exquisite, nectar-rich blooms, it holds significant ecological value. Understanding its medicinal potential and conservation status is essential for preserving the biodiversity of its specialized, ancient forest habitats.

  • Scientific name: Gymnadenia conopsea
  • Family: Orchidaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following its classification through the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asparagales, it is a member of the family Orchidaceae. Ultimately, it is categorized under the genus Gymnadenia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asparagales WCVP
Family Orchidaceae WCVP
Genus Gymnadenia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known by various regional names, is referred to as Gółka długoostrogowa in Polish and Orchis moucheron in French. In Korean, it is called 손바닥난초, while in Hungarian, it is identified as szúnyoglábú bibircsvirág, and in Finnish, it is known as punakirkiruoho.
Language Common Name Source
pl Gółka długoostrogowa Wikidata
fr Orchis moucheron Wikidata
ko 손바닥난초 Wikidata
hu szúnyoglábú bibircsvirág Wikidata
fi punakirkiruoho Wikidata
lv Odu gimnadēnija Wikidata
et Harilik käoraamat Wikidata
de Mücken-Händelwurz Wikidata
ja テガタチドリ Wikidata
cs pětiprstka žežulník Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across various regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, its presence extends to the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. The species also inhabits the northern territories of Norway. Together, these locations define its specific geographical range within the northern part of the continent.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Gymnadenia conopsea, possesses several distinct anatomical features that are characteristic of its species. The underground structures consist of fleshy tubers, which serve as vital energy storage organs for the plant's survival and regrowth. Within these tubers, the inner cortex cells play a crucial role in storing nutrients and water necessary for the development of the orchid. Furthermore, the life cycle of the plant is completed through the production of tiny, wind-dispersed seeds, which allow the species to propagate and colonize new habitats.
Total parts
4
Scientific sources
5
Plant Part Sources Confidence
tubers 2 ★☆☆☆☆
seeds 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inner cortex cells 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Tubers 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Gymnadenia conopsea has 21 reported phytochemicals identified across 21 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2-furoic acid, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, FAs, dactylorhin A, dactylorhin B.

Total chemicals
21
Scientific sources
21

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
2-furoic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
5-hydroxymethylfurfural 1 ★☆☆☆☆
FAs 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dactylorhin A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dactylorhin B 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dactylorhin E 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gymnoside I 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gymnoside II 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gymnoside III 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gymnoside IV 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Gymnadenia conopsea has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antistroke.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antistroke 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Gymnadenia conopsea has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include asthma, cancer, chronic hepatitis, coughs, neurasthenia.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
asthma 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chronic hepatitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
coughs 1 ★☆☆☆☆
neurasthenia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
stroke 1 ★☆☆☆☆